Track structure



ildeaeso M M M Aug. 28, 1923.

C. A. PSILAND ER TRACK STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 27, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 r m .m m m m 6 Aug. 28, I923.

C. A. PSILANDER TRACK STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 2'7, 1923 4 Sheets-$heet 3 3mm a kw Ch ar/ea lZ Pal/under Aqg. 28:19 23.

7 c. A. PSILANDER TRACK STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 27, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Aug. 28, 1923.

- UNITED STATES;

W kOF C CHARLES A. PSILAN'DER, or nAs'roN. PENNs-YLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO WILLIAM WHARTON m. & COMPANY, moonronnrrnn, or EASTON, PENNSYLVANIA, A con- PORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

TRACK STRUCTURE.

Application filed February 27, 1628. Serial N; 6 21.544.

To all wlwmit may concern. 1 Be it known that I, CnAnn-ns IsILAN one, a. citizen of the United States, residing at Easton, in the county of Northampton 5 and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Track Structures, of which the following is a, specification.

The present invention relates to track 1 structures and more particularly to tongue switches, having for its principal object the provision of simple and effectivemeans for securing the tongue in operative relation to the switch body in order to correct conditions tending to destroy the efficiency of the switch and due principally to lost motion resulting from poor matching or fitting of the parts because of manufacturing faults or because of pronounced wear at the heel bearing, whether of the heel itself or of the walls of the heel receiving socket or of both, W

A switch tongue. in service, pivots at the heel end and, owing principally to lateral pressure absorbed from the car trucks, there is considerable wear on th walls of the heel receiving socket and frequently of the heel itself in consequence of which the tongue becomes loose and cannot function properly. Many attempts have been made to correct this condition, but the tightening provisions heretofore proposed are all more or less unsatisfactory and open to criticism. Some are inefficient for the reason that they are located below the tongue and are restricted to the pin element thereof, the effect of which is to give to the trucks on the tongues. certain leverage whereby they exert increased pressure on the tightening means. In short, all previous tightening measures required a multiple number of parts, easily deranged, and which operated by downward pressure or pull on the heelyand notongueswitch has heretofore'been proposed which was susceptible of bodily adjustment of integral parts thereof to modify the diameter of the bore of the heel bearing to compensate for conditions tending to lost motion.

I overcome the disadvantageous condition stated by, and the essence of my invention consists in, providing a switch structure whereof the heel bearing is adjustable at will to vary its diameter so as to comet conditions arising from faulty fittingor from excessive wear in service and tending towards looseness or lost motion suflicient to destroy or materially reduce the efliciency of the switch. While I realize that the: invention is. susceptible of various embodiments with respect to details of construction, I prefer to practice it by pro viding a switch body with an integral displaeeahle or floating element forming a part of and co-operating with the heel been ing for the purpose and'with the result of tightening said bearing through contracti'on of the radial dimension thereof. In other words, it is a merit. of the invention that it does not require half hearings or hearing caps or other multiple parts. It is another merit of the invention that the com-. pensating element is of such nature that the means for manipulating it, whatever it may he, is at all times readily accessible. Another merit of the invention is the novel means for effecting the compensating action and which may or may not have the added function of holding-the tongue to a flush hearing in the tongue receiving pocket. Further objects and features of the invention will appear in the course. of. the following des'criptionctaken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof. wherein- I Figure 1 is a plan view of a. switch body embodying" feetu res of my invention.

l igifi is a sectionon line 2 -2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a section on line 3 -3 of 1. 4- is a plain view. partlyin section, showing a varied form of pressure or tightening means. 7 Fig.5 is a section on line 5- -5 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a section on line 66 of Fig. 4. i l? ig)? is'a. plan view. partly in section" showing another form of tightening means. S'isaseQtion on 'line 8"8 of Fig. 7. T -Fig.4) is a detail'end elevation of "the tightening means shown in Fig; 8.

Fig. 10 is aplun view of a switch body showing another embodimentof the. principfe oft-he'invention.

- Fig. 11 is a detail showing a modification of the pressure applicator of F ig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a plan view showing anothe embod'itnentfof theinvention'; 3

The switch both-"T has' tlie usnai tiingue receiving pocket 2 formed with a recess or socket 3 for ere-operation withtheheel or. pivotal portion 4 of the usual tong-no.5. In fact. except as hereinafter specified. the switch body and the tongue are, or may be, as usual.

According to that embodiment of the invention, Figs. 1. 2 and 3, the floor of the tongue receiving pocket is formed or provided with a slot 6 at and in the region of the heel hearing. The slot 6 extends fore and aft of the heel bearing and has an intermediate curvilinear portion 7,th.e eii'ec t of which is to float the proximate side wall 8 of the heel receiving; socket and thus provide for contracting the latter through the inward springing of said Wall under exerted pressure. Evidently the location and size of the slot and the thickness of surrounding metal will control in a measure the degree of fiexibility necessary to provide for the contemplated inward movement of the floating wall 8.

In Fig. 1, the means for efl'ecting the inward springing of the floating wall 8 in order to provide for the necessary compensating contraction of 'the heel receiving socket or recess 3. is shown. by way of example, as a transversely ranging bolt 9 having a hook-like terminal 10 seated in an undercut depression 11 of the switch bodv.

' The opposite end of the bolt extends through the floating wall 8 and is threaded therebevond for the reception of a nut'12. Evidently by tightening up on the latter. the wall 8 can be sprung inwardly and held in tight hearing relation with the heel 4. By securing the proper adinstment at the factory or in the fieldrthe usual wear in" service due to loose fitting is reduced to a minimum.

Figs. i. 5 and 6. ilhistrate an embodiment of the invention in which thefloating wall 8' is established by a slot- 6', which starts forwardly of and partlv encircles the heel hearing. Extending transversely of the switch bodv is an eccentric adjuster or bolt which also passes through an opening 14 in the tongue for the purpose of-holding the latter down in flush contact with the floor of the tongue receiving pocket. The head 15 of the bolt engages the relativelv fixed wall of the bodv and springing or flexture of the wall 8 is accomplished bv tightening up on thenut 16. The shank of the bolt is afforded more or less resilience in its flattened area 17 for properholdmg engagement with the tonguefand, throue'h the medium of an eccentric thimble 18. the bolt can be adjusted from time to time. as may be necessary, to maintain its efiiciency as a hold-down for the tongue.

In Figs. 7. 8 and 9. the tightening and hold-down element 19 is 'disposed at an angle to the transverse plane oi the switch body. The angular disposition of the bolt or element 19 has. the advantage that it enablesthe bolt to. exert downward pressure on the tong'ne aml also pressure in a horizontal direction to insure close fit or con- --tact of the extreme end of the pivotal portion with the wall of the heel receiving re cessx According to this embodiment and to provide for proper functioning. adjustment and manipulation of the element 19. one wall of the tongue receiving pocket has an elongated slot 20 and the tongue has opposite thereto an enlarged opening 21. One end of the element 19 has an angular offset extension 22 which co-operates with and is connected to a corresponding angular projection or fixed part 23 of the switch body. through the agency of an adjusting bolt By tightening the nut 25 on the latter, from time to time. as may be necessary. the element 19 is caused to exerts constant downward pressure on the tongue, and through the medium of a pad or abutment 19' (Fig. 9) in the open part 21 of the tongue. a constant pressure in a substantially horizontal direction, the effect of whicliis to maintain a tight bearing for the heel of the tongue. The element 19 carries a nut 26 to provide for the requisite springing; of the floating wall 8.

Box sections 27 and 28 are detachably applied to the sides of the switch body to pro vide proper housing facilities for the pres sure adjusting devices while ailording convenient access thereto.

In the embodiment, Fig. 10, a flexible or springing Wall 29 is established by providing a slot 30, the curved portion 31 of which is spaced froin the heel hearing. The forward portion 32 of the Wall 29 is out free of surrounding metal and thus is capable of considerable springing. The advantage of this method of practicing the invention is that it provides for a rigid external protecting wall 33. The principle is the same as before, that is to say by applying pressure to the forward portion 32 of the floating wall 29, the girth of the heel receiving recess can be modified to compensate for faulty fit or excessive Wear. As an example of means for springing the wall 29, reference is directed to a bolt 34. carrving a sleeve or bushing: 35. which bears against the free cud of the wall 29. Another example is shown in Fig. 11 wherein the actuating element or bolt 36 passes freely through the rigid wall 33 and co-opcrates with a nut 37. fixed relativelv to said wall. to force the wall 29 in- Wardly.

Fig. 12. illustrates a construction wherein slots 38 and 39 fore and aft of the heel hearing are joined by a CUYVCtl slot 40 so as to provide a floating wall 41. The springing of this wall to eiiectthe desired purpose is accomplished by duplicate provisions fore and aft of the heel bearing and which are shown by way of example as bolts 42 having complemental nuts and washers 43 and 44.

Having described the nature and objects of my invention, I claim 1. A switch structure including a switch body capable of bodily adjustment at and in the region of the heel bearing to compensate for manufacturing faults 'or wear tending to lost motion. V

2. A switch structure bodily adjustable at will at and in the region of the heel bearing to correct conditions tending to lost motion.

3. A switch structure bodily adjustable at will at and in theregion of the heel bearing to correct conditions tending to lost motion, and means for adjusting it.

4. A switch structure including an integral element capable of deflection to establish or restore. normal relativity.

5. A switch body cast with a heel socket a portion of which is formed by an element springing from the body, whereby the heel socket is contractible.

6. A switch body whereof the heel socket has an integral radially adjustable wall.

7. A switch body having a heel socket integrally formed for expansion or contraction.

8. A switch structure including an integral casting capable of being flexed at and in the region of the heel bearing for the purpose and with the result of securing normal fit with relation to the heel of the tongue.

9. A switch structure including a heel receiving socket having an integral vertical wall capable of adjustment to compensate for fit and wear.

-1(). A switch structure including a heel receiving socket having an adjustablewall, said wall being an integral part of the switch body, and means for adjusting it. v 11. A switch structure in luding a split heel receiving socket formed integral with the switch body and a side wall of which is capable of constriction.

12. A switch structure including a heel receiving socket havinga wall formed integral with the switch body and responsive to pressure to vary the girth of the socket. 13. A switch structure including a heel receiving socket having a wall formed in tegral with the switch body and responsive to pressure to vary the size of the socket, and pressure means co-operating therewith. '14. A switch structure including a heel receiving socket having a wall formed integral with the switch body and responsive to pressure to vary the size of the socket, a source of pressure. and locking means cooperating therewith.

15. A switch structure including a heel receiving socket having a integral wall re sponsive to pressure whereby it constitutes a clamp, and means adjustable at will for varying the clamping action.

16. A switch structure including a bee receiving socket with a slot in proximity therewith and whereof one of the walls is capable of being deflected to modify the socket.

17 A switch structure including a heel receiving socket with a slot in proximity therewith and whereof one of the walls is capable of being sprung to modify the socket, and means for springing said well.

18. A switch structure including a heel receiving socket having a wall responsive to pressure to vary the girth of the socket, and means incorporated in the switch structure for applying adequate pressure.

19. A switch structure including a switch body having a heel receiving socket formed with a division wall capable of clamping action.

20. A switch structure including a switch body having a part capable of deflection and shaped to form part of the heel receiving socket.

21. A switch structure including a switch body having a part capable of deflection and shaped to form part of the heel receiving socket. and means for deflecting it.

22. A switch structure including a switch body having an integer capable of deflection and forming part of the heel bearing, and means for deflecting it.

23. A switch structure including a switch body having an integer capable of deflection to insure tight fit at the heel bearing. and pieIa-ns co-operating therewith including a oc r.

24:. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body having a tongue receiving pocket terminating in a recess for the heel of the tongue. said recess including integral means for contracting it. at'ongue, and means ranging transversely of the tongue and engaging the switch body for holding the tongue to a flush bearing in the pocket and for insuring close contact of the extreme end of the heel with the wall of the recess. I

25. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body having a tongue receiving pocket terminating in a recess for the. heel of the tongue, said recess including means formed integral with the switch bOtlV and capable of deflection to reduce the diameter of the recess, a tongue open transversely, and means engageable with the tongue for holding it down in the pocket and for insuring close fit at the heel,

26. A switch structure. comprising the combination of a switch body, and a switch tongue operatively disposed with relation thereto, said elements having a compensating pivotal connection including a heel recess having an integral contractible wall portion, and a heel oi fixed diameter.

27. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body, and witch tongue pivotally connected thereto, the switch body being bodily adjustable in the region of the pivotal connection to compencombination of a switch body. of a tongue pivotally connected thereto, the switch body having means formed integral therewith and adjustable at will to correct abnormal conditions at the pivot. means for effecting such adjustment, and housing: provisions permitting ready access to said means.

30. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body having a tongue Ii'rtililigf [)(M'lt tcrininr-iting in a rec ss or socket to accommodate the heel oi the tongue and having sectional walls formed integral with the switch body and whercoi one capable of bending efi'ort to reduce the size of the socket. a tongue adapt ed to said pocket and. having its hccl pirotally mounted in said recess. and means for applying pressure externally of said walls.

31. A switch structure, comprising the comhination at a switch body, and a tongue pirotally connected thereto, the switch body barium a integral floating element to keep the tongue in normal bearing relation.

32. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body, and a tongue pivotally connected thereto, th i switch body horinq a integral floating wall with means compacting" therewith whereby the tongue is maintaiuml in normal bearing relation.

33. A switch structure. comprising the combination of a switch body, and a tongue pirotally connected thereto, the switch body having a integral floating); wall formed by an cndwise ranging: slot, and means (o-operat inn with said wall for maintaining the tongue in normal bearing relation.

34. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body, and atongue pirotally connected thereto, the switch body having a integral floating wail contoured to form a part of the pivotal connection and responsive to pressure to function as a clamp;

35. A switch structure. comprising the combination of a switch bod v, and a tongue pirotally connected thereto, the switch bothbaring an integral floating connection which is adjustable at and in the region of the pivot connection to meet the demands of fit and wear. and means extending beyond the switch body for effecting such adjustment. V

36. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body, a tongue pi:- otal'ly connected thereto, the switch body having an integral floating connection which is adjustable at and inthe region of the pivot connection to'meet the. demands of fit and wear, and means ranging transversely 'oi the tongue and engaging the switch body for ell'cetino' said adjustment.

37. A switch structure including a switch body having a heel receiving socket whereof one of the walls is floated by a slot ranging endwise ofthe body.

33. A. switch structure including a switch body having a heel receiving socket whereof one of the walls is floated by a slot ranging fore and aft ot the socket.

239. A switch structure including a. switch bod;- having a heel receiving socket whereof one of the walls is floated by a curved slot.

40. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body, a tongue pii 'otally connected therewith. the switch body being bodily adjustable at and in the region of the pivot connection to meet the demands of lit and wear, and means penetrating the tongue and engaging the switch body for effecting said adjustment.

ii. A switch structure, comprising the combination of av switch body, a tongue pivotally connected therewith, the switch body being bodily adjustable at and in the region of the pivot connection to mectthe demands of fitand weaiyand means penetrating the tongue-and engaging the switch boil for eilecting said adjustment and constituling a holddown for the tongue.

A switch structure comprising the combination of a switch body, a tongue pirotallv connected therewith, the switch body being bodily, adjustable at and in the region of the pivot connection to meet, the demands of fit and-wear, and angular-1y disposed means cooperating with the tongue and body for maintaining a tight pivot connection.

A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body, a tongue pirotally conne. ted therewith, the switch body having a springing wall formed by the remoral of some of its metal whereby it is adjustable to meet the demands of lit and wear at the pivot connection, an adjuster, and means for manipulating it.

4%. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switclnbody and a tonguein pivotal connection therewith. the switch body having a integral part yicldable with reference to the pivotal connection for taliing up lost motion therein.

45. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body and a, tongue in ivotal connection therewith, the switch bory having a part capable of being sprung with reference to the pivotal connection for the purpose and with the result of eliminating lost motion, and means carried by the body for springing it.

46. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body, a tongue, means for establishing pivotal connection of said elements and responsive to deflection to eliminate lost motion, and holding means co-operating therewith.

47. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body, a tongue, means for establishing pivotal connection of said elements and responsive to horizontal deflection to eliminate lost motion, and means for establishing continuous horizontal deflecting effort.

48. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body having a heel socket formed with an integral contractible wall, a tongue having a compensating pivotal connection therewith, and means spaced from said pivotal connection and engaging the tongue for holding the latter to aflush bearing in the body.

49.11 switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body having a tongue receiving pocket terminating in a socket for the heel of the tongue, said socket having a floating wall whereby it is adjustable to compensate for fit and wear, a tongue in operative relation with said body, means for causing said wall to function in the manner stated, and means for securing said wall in its adjusted position.

50. A switch strncture, comprising the combination of a switch body having a tongue receiving pocket terminating in a socket for the heel of the tongue, said socket having a floating wall whereby it is adjustable to compensate for fit and wear, a tongue in operative relation with said body, and means ranging transversely of the body for causing said wall to function in the manner stated.

51. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body having a tongue receiving pocket terminating in a socket for the heel of the tongue. said socket having a floating wall whereby it is adjustable to compensate for fit and wear, a tongue in operative relation with said body, and means ranging transversely of the body and penetrating the tongue for causing said wall to function in the manner stated.

52. In a tongue switch, a switch body having relatively fixed and movable integral walls to establish a radially adjustable heel bearing, and means co-operating with said walls for effecting radial adjustment of the heel bearing.

53. In a tongue switch, a switch body formed with a heel'bearing having relatively fixed and movable side walls formed integral with the switch body, and means cooperating with said walls for eflecting radial adjustment of the heel bearing.

5-l. In a tongue switch, a switch body having relatively fixed and movable vertical walls with a heel bearing therebetween, said movable wall being integral with the body,

and means co-operating therewith for effecting radial adjustment of the heel bearing.

55. In a tongue switch, a switch body hav ing relatively fixed and movable side walls with a heel bearing therebetween, said walls being integral with the body, and means cooperating therewith for effecting radial adjustment of the heel bearing.

56. In a tongue switch, a switch body having relatively fixed and movable walls with a heel bearing therebetween, said movable wall spaced from and having direct connection with the body, and means co-operating therewith for effecting radial adjustment of the heel bearing.

57. in a tongue switch, a switch body having relatively fixed and movable walls with a heel bearing thcrebetween, said movable wall having an integral connection with the body. means cooperating therewith for effecting radial adjustment of the heel hearing, and a protecting barrier for the movable wall.

A. switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body having a tongue receiving pocket and a socket for the heel of the tongue, said socket having an integral contractible wall portion whereby it is adjustable to compensate for fit and wear, a tongue, and means for efl'ccting the adjustment stated and including a member adapted and arranged to exert downward pressure on the tongue.

59. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body having a bearing for a pivot, said bearing being integrally constructed for contraction at will, a tongue pivotally connected therewith and having a transverse slot or opening beyond the pivotal connection, and tongue holding means extending through said opening and cngagcablc with the switch body and operating to force the tongue towards the heel end of the body.

60. A. switch structure, comprising the comhinatiton of a switch body, a tongue pivotally connected therewith and having a transverse opening in advance of the pivot connection, a bolt traversing said opening and adjustably mounted in the body, and locking means for the bolt. i I

61. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body having a pivot hearing with integral walls contractible at will, a tongue pivotally connected therewith and having a transverse opening in advance of the pivot connection formed with an ubuiment, an anguiariy disposed holding member bearing against said abutment to force the tongue rearwardly, and tightening means co-operating with said member.

62. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch body, a tongue pivotally connected ti'lQI'BWitil and having an opening in advance of the pivot connection, a bolt extending transversely of the switch body and having a flat portion bearing against the bottom wall of said opening, and locking means for the bolt.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

CHARLES A. PSILANDER, 

